Indonesia prioritizes to strengthen ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Head Suharso Monoarfa said one of the priorities of Indonesia, as 2023 ASEAN Chair, is strengthening the initiatives of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific through concrete and inclusive development cooperation.

“With this approach, ASEAN, like Indonesia, prioritizes four areas of cooperation in the region, namely maritime cooperation, connectivity, the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and the economy,” Monoarfa stated during a bilateral meeting with President of the French-Indonesia and Timor Leste Inter-Parliament Friendship Group Marc-Philippe Daubresse, as quoted from his official Instagram page @suharsomonoarfa here, Wednesday.

The agency head said, Indonesia has worked on triangular cooperation with several Asia-Pacific countries in the context of Indo-Pacific and will explore other potential partnerships, including with France.

He is optimistic of strengthening and expanding Indonesia’s bilateral relations with France, especially in several priority focus areas, such as the maritime, climate, and low-carbon sectors.

“In digital technology and IT (Information Technology), I also hope to expand cooperation in eco-fishing, marine biodiversity research vessels, maritime meteorological systems, strengthening climate services, data centers, digitizing broadcasting systems, as well as grant facilities to promote low-carbon development on land and at sea,” he remarked.

Until now, the government has initiated cooperation with France, especially in the fields of maritime affairs and fisheries, defense, the creative economy, as well as research and technology.

In recent years, defense cooperation between Indonesia and France has been further intensified by the finalization of the purchase of several French defense equipment by Indonesia.

“Apart from that, there is also the potential for additional purchases of further defense equipment,” Monoarfa stated.